Yumiko Jakobcic is the Director of Grand Valley State University’s Office of Sustainability Practices.  She received a BS in natural resource management from Grand Valley State University, a MEM in conservation science and policy from Duke University, and a PhD in natural resources from the University of Vermont.  She previously served as the Executive Director of the Winooski Valley Park District, managing eighteen parks across seven communities in Vermont.  Her research interests include the transboundary management of natural resources, human diversity in conservation, and neighborhood cohesion supported by natural areas.  She is passionate about engaging students in a more sustainable lifestyle.

Recent Publications:  

Stokowski, P.A., Kuentzel, W.F., Derrien, M.M., and Jakobcic, Y.L. 2021. Social, cultural and spatial imaginaries in rural tourism transitions. Journal of Rural Studies. 87: 243-253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.09.011

Jakobcic, Y. L. and P.A. Stokowski. 2019. The role of regional park districts in strengthening community relationships. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. doi: 10.18666/JPRA-2019-9180

Christopher, F.N., Jakobcic, Y., and Nordman, E. 2016. “Sustainability as a university value: A journey from awareness to behavior change.”  Chapter in: Arevalo, Jorge A., and Mitchell, Shelley F. (Eds.) (forthcoming 2017) Handbook of Sustainability in Management Education: In Search of a Multidisciplinary, Innovative and Integrated Approach. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA. USA.